News Analysis: Apple has updated its MacBook Pro line, and at least on paper the computers look to be quite impressive. While it's only an incremental update of the existing design, there are enough improvements inside the box to make them worth the money.
In a move that was expected for quite some time, Apple has updated its line
of MacBook Pros. The 13-, 15- and 17-inch devices come with a new processor,
new graphics cards and Intel's Thunderbolt technology to help lead the hardware
company through 2011. Across the board, the update was much-needed and quite
appealing to those who want to be a bit more productive while on the go.
Of course, there are some out there who say the updates are nothing more than
incremental improvements. Admittedly, that's true, to some extent. This latest
update isn't groundbreaking in any way. The computers still feature the same
design, and the key improvements made are internal. Apple's latest update is an
evolutionary upgrade over previous models.
But that doesn't mean that these latest MacBook Pros aren't impressive.
Quite the contrary, they deliver several features that consumers and even some
enterprise customers should know about.
The
new MacBook Pro line might not be groundbreaking, but buying one of these
computers certainly seems like a worthwhile investment.
Here's why.
1. They've been hit with a
Thunderbolt
With
the new line of MacBook Pros, owners will find a new technology: Intel's
new Thunderbolt I/O technology. The technology is widely considered one of the
more exciting additions to the MacBook Pro, since if it catches on, it could be
the successor to USB and FireWire.
Thunderbolt allows data transfer rates of up to 10G bps. Even better, it allows
for the transfer of video over the connection. Thunderbolt could just be the
future of data transferring, and it's in the MacBook Pro today.
2. The prices seem right
Over the years, Apple has received a lot of criticism from those who believe
that it sells its computers for far too much. They point to cheaper products
from Dell and HP with similar components and wonder why Apple can't match the
competition on pricing. But further analysis of Apple's new MacBook Pro line
reveals that the starting price of $1,199 for the 13-inch model and $2,499 for
the high-end version are actually reasonable pricing for what customers are
getting. With the 17-inch version, for example, consumers are basically getting
the functionality of a desktop in a laptop. That's important to keep in mind.
3. Choices for everyone
Choices are everything in the computer market. Consumers have very different
needs, and they want to find the computer that matches what they're looking
for. With the MacBook Pro line, it seems that Apple understands that. It offers
13-, 15- and 17-inch models for customers with different budgetary and size
considerations. Plus, all of the devices are customizable to fit consumer
needs. With more choices comes more value. Apple proves that with its new line
of MacBook Pros.
4. Sandy Bridge
has promise
The
new line of MacBook Pros feature Intel's Sandy Bridge processors. That's an
important component in the added value these devices offer. As Apple points out
in its own benchmarks, the new processors are up to twice as fast as previous
chips in the earlier line of MacBook Pros. And perhaps most importantly to
enterprise customers, they should deliver more battery efficiency. All in all, Sandy
Bridge looks like a win for MacBook
Pro customers.
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